Okay now don't shoot the messenger but, how come everyone is installing these line-out converters? Every professional installer I talk to says it's a waste of money and only used for competitions. Even the crutchfield advisors say it's not necessary. Very interesting since all these people could make money by selling one. I've told them that I am keeping the stock amp to power the center and rear 2.5" speakers while a new amp will power all the other upgraded speakers. I was planning on getting one, but now I'm not sure.

Greetings,

Good question.

Yes, they are correct that you do not need the line-out converter. You can get a simple hi level to low level rca converter to the amps. Or, if you change the factory head unit to aftermarket head unit and go directly from the pre-outs to the amps or aftermarket DSP unit such as the JBL MS-8 or Alpine PXA-H800. This method gives you the cleanest signal. Just make sure that hi-speed can bus signals are going to the factory amp.

Do, I think they are correct in their statements? I am not sure how the
Crutchfield advisors came up with that logic, when they promote themselves as expects. How do you take the factory component surround sound signal and convert into a full range signal needed for the aftermarket processor or an aftermarket amp. The answer is, a summing device.

The summing device will eliminate the pre determined factory crossover points in order to establish a clean foundation to start from. In many cases here, the subwoofer, front and rear doors. If you need additional tuning, then the aftermarket DSP processor is needed. The center and rear pillar can remain on the factory systems.

Without the summing device, you are stuck with the factory settings. In the JGC, these settings with new components will not sound right as they were designed to be.

To each his own but I love the way mine sounds. The only thing it lacks is bass which will be fixed by the stealth box. Notes are crisp, highs are clear, and as far as timing goes I cannot pick up a difference. Then again to each his own. For my budget, this fits me perfectly

I'm pretty sure i'm going with the HSK, considered the ESK as well! I've actually never heard either model, my installer swears by them. I'm going to hear and compare them in person late march when he gets the new models in. I have hybrid audio technologies in my camaro, considered those and focals, but also want to give the hertz a try! Sorry about the late reply too!

The summing device will eliminate the pre determined factory crossover points in order to establish a clean foundation to start from. In many cases here, the subwoofer, front and rear doors. If you need additional tuning, then the aftermarket DSP processor is needed. The center and rear pillar can remain on the factory systems.

Without the summing device, you are stuck with the factory settings. In the JGC, these settings with new components will not sound right as they were designed to be.

where are the factory crossovers located? Are they unique to both the stock six speaker and alpine systems? Can they be utilized vs installing the external crossovers that come with some component systems e.g. if you were to use the factory head unit?

subbie09 - Do the stock tweeter grills just pop off or are they glued on? Did you use the dremal tool on the Focal tweeter itself or the mounting hole of the JGC to get them to fit?

Thanks for taking the time to share your install! Great information & pics in this thread!

My suggestion would be start with a Headunit. I went the LOC way first and regretted it. Just wasted my money basically. Not saying its bad as I see a lot if people in here go that route and loves it. But for me, after spending all this money on high end speakers I want the best sound quality out of them and I think you can only get that if you swap out the stock source. BUT if you do decide the LOC is a better route for you then tap into the amplified signals. I tried the signals coming out of the stock radio and it was a set volume and couldn't adjust it up or down. Sounded like I was gonna blow my speakers. Also I believe the rear door speakers are the most full ranged. If you are summing your system then that would be the best signal to use.